Madhya Ashtami

Madhya Ashtami is observed on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi of the Mahalaya Pitru Paksha in the Bhadrapada month of South Indian panchang and Ashwina month in North Indian calendar. Since the Mahalaya fortnight is of 16 days commencing from Poornima and culminating on Mahalaya Paksha, the exact half period of the fortnight i.e the eight day, Ashtami tithi is called Madhya Ashtami.

Madhya Ashtami 2023

Significance

Madhyashtami shradh rituals are an important ritual for ancestors who might have sided with unrighteousness and evil influences against the dictates of their self-conscience or have aided communal wrongdoings. This could be due to various pressure like political or workplace pressures, influential people. Madhya Ashtami is an important day for the Shradh rituals at Gaya, and the ‘Noopura Ganga Theertham’, located at Azaghar temple near Madurai in South India, Tamizh Nadu. In addition, devotees also worship Lord Shiva on this day of Madhya Ashtami. Sincere prayers and offerings are made to the lord to bestow His mercy on our ancestors.

When this tithi coincides with Ardra Nakshatra it makes the day more auspicious for Lord Shiva worship, and the day is called Arudrashtami. A person who observes Madhya Ashtami does not perform the Shradh rituals on the other tithis of the Pitru Paksha except Amavasya Shradh. 

Rituals

Male members of the family wake up early in the morning. Men of the family who are Dwija (undergone the process of Upanayana) can perform this Tarpan or Shraddha ritual. Shraddha ritual includes Homa, Arghya (offering of water), Pinda-dhan, Dakshina, donating to Brahmins, Vikira and Tarpana. Shraddha Slokas are recited, followed by pinda dhaan. These Pinda offerings are immersed in a river or a local water body, sometimes it is also offered to a cow or crows. On this day, we can also donate long and slender vegetables including drumstick, gourds, to temples for Annadhaana or make food from these vegetables and donate to the poor.

Benefits

Important Timings On Madhya Ashtami

Madhya Ashtami festival dates between 2019 & 2029

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